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Coast Café
Categories: Restaurants Southern Restaurants Soul Food Southern, Soul Food [Edit]
233 River StCambridge, MA 02139
(617) 354-7644
- Nearest Transit:
-
River St @ Fairmount St (70, 70A)
Putnam Ave @ Allston St (64)
Western Ave @ Dodge St (64, 70, 70A)
- Hours:
Tue-Sat 11 am - 9 pm
- Attire:
- Casual
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Price Range:
-
$
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Ambience:
- Dive-y, Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
139 reviews for Coast Café
Review Highlights
"The fried chicken alone blew my mind."
(in 100 reviews)
"Banana Pudding and Sweet Potato Pie for just $2.75."
(in 13 reviews)
"I especially dig the collard greens."
(in 42 reviews)
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139 reviews in English
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Review from Roscoe R.
Cambridge, MA
1/14/2012
I rarely give 5-star reviews, but this place totally deserves one. I lived/worked in the rural deep south for quite a few years, so I'm familiar with this type of food -- have had lots of it. Coast Cafe is pricey for take-out food in this neighborhood, but you get what you pay for!
Coast Cafe, which is take-out only, has served spectacular food ever since they opened. The fried chicken is the best on the planet -- perfectly cooked, tasty, crispy, and not greasy (I just wish the breasts were a bit larger). And the smothered pork chops are spectacular -- my favorite thing on the menu. The gravy that tops it is delicious, and it perfectly complements the pork and sauteed peppers/onions. Cakes are homemade and delicious (moist & flavorful), too. And whenever I pick up my order, I can't resist adding a few Jamaican meat pies from the case next to the cash register. Oh -- mashed potatoes are also wonderful. Service (from the owners) is always, always super friendly. I'm glad this neighborhood joint is here!
[Note that I've never had the ribs here, because it doesn't strike me as a BBQ place (and the other stuff is so, so good!). But I'm curious how the ribs are.] -
Review from Priscilla T.
Boston, MA
1/17/2012
3.5 stars. I can't quite give it 4 stars because the batter on the fried chicken is missing some savory oomph and heresy of all heresies: they don't have chicken legs (only thighs and breasts). However, I'm stoked that there's a legit soul food joint within walking distance of my house. I actually walked to Coast in the pouring rain - I was that intent on getting some fried chicken.
The collard greens and mac n' cheese were awesome and the people who run the place are super nice and passionate about their food. The fried chicken (although lacking a bit in the batter department and missing legs *tear*) is definitely crisp and juicy. The cornbread could have used some warmth to it but the flavor was right. Try this place out! -
Review from Michael D.
Boston, MA
1/12/2012 3 photos
3.5 Stars
GOOD OL' southern food. Fried chicken.. mac and cheese.. and a beef patty. WIsh I had room for some banana puddin too but I was STUFFED full of fat after my meal. The fried chicken was crispy and flavored with salt and pepper.. and shockingly, as everyone else had said, it wasn't greasy! The mac and cheese had lots of flavor.. probably one of the better ones I've had around here. As for the beef patty, I'd say save the calories for something else... it's nothing special.
It's a little bit of a trek from the Central Square T Stop.. I probably wouldn't go out of my way to come here again, but if i'm in the area I'd probably stop by! -
Review from David W.
Middlesex, MA
1/12/2012
I like this place, it's really good. The fried chicken is amazing. It is very well seasoned and nicely prepared. The sides of Macaroni and Cheese and mashed potatoes and gravy are very good as well. The little corn bread muffins are tasty too. I would highly recommend the fried chicken dinner here. That is all that I have had. I would also like like to say the banana pudding was sooo good. I shared it with someone and they loved it too. One order of the banana pudding can serve at least two after such a filling meal of fried chicken.
Also, I would like to mention the woman who took our order over the phone was very friendly and kind. She was really helpful. When I picked up our order the same woman working the counter was again extremely pleasant, kind, and friendly. She was just amazing. Great food with great customer service as well. I really enjoyed the experience here. -
Review from Lauren E.
11/14/2011
I ordered a fried chicken dinner with two sides (mashed potatoes with gravy and onion rings) and a piece of cornbread.
The cornbread was cold and really crumbly, probably my least favorite part of the meal.
The chicken was delicious, juicy and the insides were cooked to perfection; however, the breading was a bit too overcooked.
I wish I had more of the mashed potatoes and gravy, it was amazing!
I'd order here again. The meal was a bit pricey, and I think I could have actually gotten everything cheaper if I ordered separately.
Go here if you want some good old-fashioned Southern cooking. -
Review from Cris L.
Allston, MA
10/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
The five-star review here doesn't come lightly. As a product of a southern state, I frequently find myself longing for the good, cheap soul food that makes the south a great comfort-food destination. Here in Boston, i've learned to accept that you can't find good bbq without looking closely. And, despite the few good bbq joints around, few places focus on true soul food. Coast Cafe is one of those places.
The fried chicken is well seasoned (nice black pepper in the batter) and fried to crispy perfection. I took it to go, so the wonderful smell was taunting me all the way to my destination. Once I broke out the fork (get two forks!), I discovered the best collard greens i've had in Boston. They are cooked with beef or pork and are just the right about of savory/tart. The mac and cheese has a nice breadcrumb crust and tastes like something your mother would make (if she loves you).
Finally, you must try the banana pudding. For those who don't eat banana pudding with nilla wafers, they provide a nice textural contrast. I finished the whole thing, which for me is a great compliment to the chef.
Prices are reasonable (cash only) and portions are grand. The eleven dollar fried chicken plate was enough to feed two, and dessert was only three dollars.
Located almost across the street from Whole Foods on river street, you can easily miss it. Don't. If you are craving southern goodness, you MUST try coast cafe. -
Review from Elizabeth L.
Seattle, WA
9/14/2011
Stopped by this tiny doorfront for a snack. Amazing soul food - chicken is fried-to-order, lightly seasoned, not greasy. Kitchen takes pride in their work, love the staff. Sweet potato pie is yum.
Not quite a cafe (standing room only) - catering/take-out primarily. -
Review from Daniel H.
Cambridge, MA
11/12/2011
I lived in cambridge for 7 years and just found this place. I'm pissed, but my waist is happy. Best fried chicken and collard greens in the city. Visit at your own risk.
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Review from patrick S.
North Andover, MA
7/20/2011
Best soul food in the Boston area, period.
Hole in the wall take-out place and I love everything about it. The staff is friendly, funny, knowledgeable and helpful. The assorted sauces on the counter might look like they've been there for months, but they probably go through them in hours with the business this place does.
The food - everything I have ordered from here has been perfection. The friend chicken is, of course, amazing. But so is the fish...catfish to be exact, and the sides are heaven on a plate. Sweet potatoes, collard greens (a little more bitter than I like, but I respect the authenticity), mashed potatoes, corn bread, etc etc...they are all amazing.
Prices are just right. I never worry about throwing in an extra side or grabbing some dessert if I feel like it. -
Review from Lena N.
5/27/2011
Blink and you'll miss this place.
So keep your eyes open or else you'll probably be missing out on the best fried chicken in the Boston area.
Not too greasy. Still juicy inside. Well seasoned batter. As good as it gets above the Mason Dixon line.
Luckily, it's a bit of a walk from the T so I don't feel so guilty for shamelessly stuffing my face with fried chicken. -
Review from Liz M.
4/11/2011
Hot diggity DAMN. Believe and have faith that heavenly fried chicken WILL BE HAD HERE!!
Not oily, not dry, ALL goodness. Get ONIONS on your chicken sandwich! Trust me!
Be a purist and try it without saaaauce. If you want saaaauce, they got plenty for you too!
Catfish... Be holy wholly awesome too.
Coconut square...mama will knock you out!
Banana pudding... Down dirty shame dat it ain't pure protein!
Wash all down with diet coke or milk or more FRIED CHICKEN.
This is more than a party in your mouth. It's an experience with your chicken. You and your chicken will become one. You and your behind will keep coming back to Coast Cafe.
I don't mind that there are no seats too.. order takeout, eat there, eat standing, maybe it'll make you feel less guilty with the calories. Heck, walk there and walk back home, or walk there, eat and walk back for some more! -
Review from Charles L.
Lexington, MA
8/20/2011
I had the rib sandwich and a single fried chicken thigh. The ribs, although not smoked or BBQ'd, were excellent. Moist, juicy, good flavor, good sauce.
I know what I'm about to say is blasphemy, but the chicken just didn't do it for me. All of the reviews (yelp, http://pigtrip.net, newpapers, etc.) say how great the fried chicken is, how they cook each one to order and it's so nicely seasoned and crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside and ... And maybe the taste of fried chicken is a personal thing. But it just didn't do it for me on this visit. If I go back, I would like to try some of the other things like the fried catfish, but I probably won't have the chicken again. Sigh. Sorry about that.
The people behind the counter were really nice.
So I give them 4 stars for the ribs and 2 stars for the chicken, so 3 stars overall. -
Review from Bonita Y.
Cambridge, MA
3/26/2011
The bf was literally fighting with me to get "ONE bite" of my fried chicken.
(and secretly, he will wake up in the middle of the night to finish off the rest.)
So, if that doesn't convince you that the fried chicken is amazing, than I don't know what will.
He got the fried chicken plate with two different kinds of rice ("jag" and the regular rice and beans). Ask for gravy on top...it makes a big difference.
As for myself, I decided on on the fish cake plate with collard greens and mac and cheese. The sides were pretty amazing, but maybe the fish cake was too "doughy" for me? (Or it was probably better in a sandwich.) Either way, I think next time I will order just the regular grilled fish or haddock.
Oh, we also go the beef and cheese patty. I think the cheese is made with cheez-wiz or something...I would stick with just the regular patty.
One of the guys handed me the take-out with a smile...oh yeah, the southern charm (I also had on reindeer pajama pants...so, that was probably another reason...haha.) -
Review from Jenny N.
4/17/2011
Coast Cafe may look unassuming from the outside, but they serve up some legit fried chicken. It's crispy, juicy and finger-lickin' good because each order is made FRESH. You won't find no dried up chicken sitting under a heat lamp here! Nuh uh...no sir. Just be patient because the 15-20 min. wait is worth it. Trust me.
$11 for a chicken plate (2 breasts or thighs and 2 sides w/cornbread) is a great deal too! And when it comes to sides, I love the mac 'n' cheese (gooey goodness topped with breadcrumbs) and the black-eyed peas and rice topped with gravy. The candied yams are too sweet for my liking, but the boy enjoys them.
I know some people swear by the banana pudding topped with Nilla wafers, but I'm not a fan of bananas. You do get your money's worth though because it's like $3.50 for a pretty sizable container of pudding.
I only wish there were more seating--alas, there's only 3 counter seats. But I get that it's more of a takeout spot. Also, the people who work there are super nice. -
Review from Miguel C.
Cambridge, MA
10/16/2011
One afternoon, I was looking for a place in Cambridge to get take-out for dinner. I spotted Coast Cafe and decided to try it for the first time.
The weather turned stormy by dinner-time, and I began to have doubts about walking so far from the Central Square T. I was almost deterred from my final destination by the constellation of restaurants near Central Square, but I pressed on, determined to get my fix of fried chicken.
The store is mostly kitchen, with a place to order, and a bar with three stools to sit at. I ordered the fried chicken plate (one breast, one thigh) with sides of strings beans and candied yams. Fifteen minutes later, I walked out with a steaming styrofoam container that smelled delicious. The trip home seemed to take forever.
When I finally opened the lid, I started on the chicken. The breast was okay, but not what I anticipated from Yelp's raving reviewers. Maybe it was a bad night for the breast. Dejected, I started on the thigh with lowered expectations.
My first reaction: "Hey, this is pretty good." And then my brain went on autopilot to wring maximum enjoyment from the succulent meat. When I came to my senses, I had stripped the thigh piece clean.
Overall, the breast scored three stars, and the thigh five stars. I know what I want the next time I stop in. Oh, and the sides were good. -
Review from H. G.
Boston, MA
3/15/2011
In my opinion, this place has to be reviewed in conjunction with the Cantab Lounge. Why? Because the Coast Cafe has no seats and no liquor license. And the Cantab has no kitchen and allows you to bring in food.
Talk about a match made in heaven. -
Review from simon l.
Yup, the fried chicken is as good as everyone says. Lightly breaded and not battered with a mild seasoning. Crispy, crunchy skin with a juicy meat. The crisped breaded skin crunches away perfectly with each bite, no worries about pulling the entire skin off of the piece of chicken.
Mac & cheese, baked deliciousness with bread crumbs on top. Seasoned to not even need salt or pepper with a combination of cheddar, parmesean and American cheese, I venture to guess. Collard greens not bitter at all and claim to have a turkey base although the tenderness and flavor out did any turkey I tasted.
Beef and cheese "pattie" as a starter was phenomenal. Empanada like crispy shell, deep fried with a spiced ground beef and melted cheese mixed together to create one hell of a delicious flavor sensation. A couple of these little tastes of heaven would probably serve well for a dinner and at 2 bucks a pop pretty cheaply as well.
And yes, sweet potato pie. They are literally a store front with 3 stools and a counter to sit at, call ahead for chicken or any fried items since it takes 15 minutes. Mostly a take out joint but they have ribs - gonna be back for them, no question. Virtually no parking so again, good reason to call ahead, you can stop for a second, pay and leave.Listed in: RIBS, mostly bbq
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Review from Michael C.
Boston, MA
4/13/2011
Dropped by Coast Cafe with a buddy who reccomended their good and inexpensive food. Here is what I tried:
Fried Pork Chop - lightly spiced and salted. Good but I would never search it out
Fried Chicken Box - A solid box of fried chicken, very crispy
Fried Sweet Plantain - Can't go wrong here, if you like fried plantains these were pretty standard
Corn Bread - they were mini corn muffins
Bananna Pudding - it was just ok, it could be because I'm not a big fan of this type of dessert, bananna pudding filled with ripe banannas and cookies
This place gets 4 stars because of its solid food with great prices, all that was under $20. My friend and I were so full we didn't care that they forgot to put the sweet potatos in our bag even though we paid for them. -
Review from Michael H.
Phoenix, AZ
10/4/2011
The staff is very friendly and the menu is vast. The food was OK for Boston. All food is made to order so expect a 15 minute wait. No seating (well, 3 bar stools in their foyer).
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Review from Monta L.
Cambridge, MA
10/29/2010
My friends and I LOVE coming here in the summer. We call ahead our order, walk over and bring our food to the neighboring park to eat. They have a little counter in the shop for quick eats, but not comfortable for groups larger than 2-3 people.
The staff is incredibly nice and the fried chicken is mouth watering. They've somehow got the batter right and yes- they cook the fried chicken on a cast iron pan if you're watching. The chicken is moist and flavorful inside, roughly the size of an average fist. I can only speak for the breasts since that's all I order. I've had the chicken wings before, but I wasn't crazy about them.
The dinner plates will fill you up with two pieces of chicken, two sides & cornbread. I often opt for the breast special for lunchtime- it's one piece and one side. The mac and cheese is still good if you keep it in your fridge and zap it up later. If you get mashed potatoes- don't forget to tell them to add gravy. A friend of mine loves their banana pudding too.
If you plan on driving to pick some up in the winter, be warned- your car will smell like fried chicken for days, even if you live 5 minutes away. But it's worth it! -
Review from Casimir M.
Cambridge, MA
2/22/2011
I love this place!!! So I have known the owner and his family for some time now but my review is solely based on the food. If you like soul food, this is the place to go. I only order 3 things from this place and I have never been disappointed. I can imagine that everything else is as just as good.
1. Fried Chicken, absolutely delicious. The breading is not overwhelmingly thick and it is seasoned perfectly. The meat is so moist and it is always prepared fresh seeing that it usually takes 20-25 for your dish to be done. For the sides, collard greens and Mac and cheese, it never fails!!
2. Smothered Pork Chops. Ohhhh boyy!! They literally come smothered in gravy filled with onions, peppers and great seasonings. The pork is cooked perfectly, tender and moist.
3. BBQ beef ribs. If you don't want to get messy, do not order this dish. The ribs are huge and drenched in sauce. They are cooked really well and the meat comes right off the bone.
This is not a sit down fancy place; it is really small and only has a small ledge sitting 3 if you really want to eat in the place. The food can take a little while to cook because everything is cooked to order; they don't keep their food sitting around in a warm oven. -
Review from Lisa R.
Boston, MA
2/7/2011
I've only had this place once and I am still dreaming about the fried chicken. I wish this place was more T accessible!
This place gets 5 stars for being straightforward. The soul food is delicious, and it is clearly the best fried chicken I've had in the area. It is takeout only, so that means no seating! It doesn't try to pretend it's anything it's not and the food is great! -
Review from Erick H.
Somerville, MA
11/30/2010
It was with a bit of trepidation that I made my way to Coast Cafe. Having been to the South, I've experienced authentic soul food and was understandably apprehensive that such could be recreated in Cambridge. Thankfully, Coast Cafe proved me wrong. Stepping into this tiny restaurant, I was instantly reminded of the cozy hole-in-the-wall eateries I've visited in Virginia, the Carolinas, and Georgia.
The food proved itself well, far exceeding my expectations, conveying familiar flavors, and embodying everything that, in my mind, soul food represents. I can't recall precisely what I ordered, but I'm certain that I left satisfied.
Everything is made to order, which means that food is fresh and hot when received, but also means that some waiting is to be expected unless one calls ahead. Seating is limited to three stools along one wall of the restaurant's public space, but with myriad benches nearby, as well as spaces in Central Square, one can easily find somewhere to sit and enjoy Coast Cafe's food, weather permitting. -
Review from Raymond Y.
Waltham, MA
12/2/2010
To me, Coast Cafe by far has the best fired chicken anywhere. I've tried Hattie's in Saratoga Springs, NY but Coast Cafe's fired chicken is even better. Their chicken is juicy, tender, crispy on the outside, cook extremely well and very very tasteful, I have to say after having the first piece, I'm hooked, and if I ever wants fried chicken, I will now always want to go to Coast Cafe.
I did tried some of their side dishes, sweet potato for example maybe a tag too sweet, however, overall they do a very good job on cooking all the food, the cooking staff pay a lot of attention to make things right, so call in for order beforehand, otherwise you will need to wait a bit there before you can get the food. But it worth the wait! -
Review from Tom E.
3/14/2007 1 photo
Best Comfort Food of 2006 and Hidden Gem? That's what the Phantom Gourmet says about Coast Cafe and it's hard to disagree with him. It's not gourmet high-end food but it's true home-made comfort food on the cheap.
This little take-out stop in Cambridgeport came to my rescue when I was feeling unwell and needed something hearty and comforting. I can't believe I'd not been here before as it's so close to my house, but after a morning tucked in bed watching cricket live from Jamaica I had a hankering for some 'Soul Food' of the South/Caribbean kind and had to go.
I had the fried chicken sandwich - taking note that the Fried Chicken was the Phantom Gourmet's 2006 Comfort Food winner. It was good. Damn good. Only to be surpassed by the sweet potato pie... wonderful.
I'll be back for much much more fried chicken as well as fried catfish, rib sandwiches, sweet potatoes, candied yams, banana bread, banana pudding... and a lot more. The menu is very inviting, although probably not for vegetarians.
NB - you need to spend 8 dollars to use a card
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EDIT: Been again and again and never gets worse, just better. The Mac & Cheese. THE Mac & Cheese.Listed in: BABOON, Hole-in-the-walls, +++ Six Stars +++
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Review from Chris W.
New York, NY
5/20/2008 ROTD 2/7/2009
Juicy Delicious Fried Chicken!!! I hate to repeat everyone, but the fried chicken is great. Crispy, without being too greasy, and perfectly delicious. Not over breaded or anything either. Definitely some of the best fried chicken I've ever had.
I also had their mac and cheese and mashed potatoes. The mashed potatoes were standard, but the mac and cheese was kinda fancy. The meal was $10, so a little on the high side, but definitely worth it for some good soul food.
Be warned that this place is almost exclusively take out, and that there's only 3 seats in the entire place. Luckily we went at an odd hour. Oh, and you have to wait about 15 mins for most of the dishes, so in more ways than one, this ain't no KFC! -
Review from Annie P.
Cambridge, MA
9/20/2006
Down past River Gods and before that local park...
This tiny hole in the wall has a lot more SOUL than most joints in Cambridge. Best for call in pickup, behind the counter service. It gets pretty packed during lunch hours so it takes awhile but the friendly couple with a few helping hands are always on top of things.
There are a few seats on the side with tons of condiments and reads. There's also a spot on the counter that has beef and chicken&cheese patties.
Menu has everything from fried chicken, hamburgers, salads, hotdogs to the best banana pudding.
I usually keep it simple with a $5.95 three side plate. Which includes the Mac'n'cheese (fluffy and not overpowered by cheese), Collard greens with smoked turkey (delicious and never overcooked) and JAG (a flavorful cape verdean version of rice and beans).
It's a basic good home cooked kind of meal for all ranges of customers.Listed in: Death In Beantown
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Review from Heather H.
Somerville, MA
2/2/2006
Coast is a tiny storefront that is about 2/3 kitchen and 1/3 order counter space. There are two stools at a side counter for dining in, but it's really a take-out place. It's a family-run joint that specializes in Soul Food and home style cooking. R&B plays from the radio, there's usually sports on TV, and they provide a stock of food and African-American centric magazines for you to read while you're waiting.
Prices are more than reasonable given the huge portions, ranging from about $7-$9 for plates, that include a meat and two sides. I usually get fried chicken, collard greens, and mac and cheese. their collards are the best I've had this side of the Mason-Dixon line.Listed in: These are the people in my old…
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Review from Jocelyn C.
Jamaica Plain, MA
3/28/2007
This the most delicious and comforting comfort food I've had in a loooong time!!! I had the pork chop dinner with some mac and cheese and black-eyed peas on the side this weekend, and it was lip-smackin', finger-lickin', tummy-pleasin' goodness. I think my absolute favorite thing to order from the Coast Cafe has got to be the beef and cheese empanadas though. HOLY SHIT, I could live off of these for the rest of my life and just be happy forever.
This place is TINY, so definitely do what Annie P. recommends and call ahead to order for pick-up. They have like, two stools to sit and eat at, so don't expect to dine in.
I only hope that one day soon they can expand to a bigger space and become a full-fledged restaurant. They definitely deserve a lot more space and recognition for the food they serve!!! -
Review from Faith N.
Allston-Brighton, MA
11/30/2010
Ahh love it! Coast is the perfect example of simple food with HUGE flavor.
I would come for the corn bread alone, but there's no way i would leave without having the divinneeee mac n cheese.
I'm a vegetarian, but the smell of the chicken sometimes makes me want to change my ways haha. But the sweet potatoes and fries hold me down (for now).
I've lately been encouraging all of my favorite restaurants in town to look into the green restaurant association's certification. I've been to some great restaurants who are certified, and they make it so easy to see just how much they've done to make their restaurants as sustainable as possible. I think it's something that all restaurants should strive to do. -
Review from Katherine I.
Boston, MA
12/4/2007
This is not cho' gran' mama's soul food. The one whose recipes have been passed down to Aunt Ann and Uncle Bubba and contain a love that can lull you back to a Juneteenth cookout and comfort by the third spoonful. No. No. Unh-uh. This is some northern bull hockey served to you yankees who ain't know no better. Just when I hoped Bob the Chef could be forced to serve flavorful soul food with jazz.....{sigh}...the fat lady scratched her high note and the quest to find great soul food without the family drama is not over.
All right ch'all here 'tis: The fish cakes were too greasy. The corn bread was too sweet. The cabbage too bland and oily. The candied yams, too candied. Is that possible? The jag, not my Cape Verdian grandmother's seasoned with the traditional spices and kidney beans. The chicken was well seasoned and tasty but over-done. The sweet potato pie filling was good but the crust....oh well e'rybody can't be Aunt Ann and Uncle Bubba. I give them 3 stars for tryin' hard and massagin' a soul food itchin' rather 'an scrathin' it.
*** 12/11/07 Correction: I must confess that I always wanted to use the term "bull hockey", and Yelp is a great forum for providing that opportunity, but I got a little carried away. In an effort to maintain my credibility and avoid a potential lawsuit, I want to be clear and tell you, bull hockey is not served at the Coast Cafe. The soul food here is authenic and served by pleasant people. However, I maintain all other creative, but truthful comments and stand by the 3 star rating.
****2/10/08 The Fat Lady has sung at Poppa B'sListed in: The Yelp Funnies., Southern Comfort
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Review from Shaina P.
10/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
Not gonna lie. My fried chicken seemed to be edging on the side of overcooked (it was still a little juicy, but not. quite. supermoist, which, of course is a technical term when it comes to chicken breast), but the batter was well seasoned and super crisp. The staff are friendly and patient with us (people who don't know much about southern food and the ridiculous selection of side dishes). And the cafe is clean (and tiny. Literally only enough room for 3 to sit and eat, and only room for 5 people to maybe stand together inside all cramped). The prices were on the higher side for lunch time, but would be perfect for take out dinner. I would suggest calling ahead because they cook the food fresh and it takes about 15-20 minutes. Of course, the meal totally satisfied my craving for fried chicken and Dave's craving for BBQ wings (sweet, meaty, many). I have to return and will very soon. If you've had any hesitation to go into Coast Cafe, it is time to not hesitate and get your butt in there!
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Review from Geoffrey R.
Cambridge, MA
8/14/2009
When the pregnant wife wants fried chicken... YOU GET THE PREGNANT WIFE FRIED CHICKEN!
The options for friend chicken are not great in Boston. BUT... This place is a great find. We had 2 fried chicken plates. The Mac & Cheese is very good, the corn is eh, and the collard greens are good.
You HAVE to get the plantains, well cooked, not too dry, not too wet, not too firm, not too soft. as Goldilocks says, just right.
I will be heading back again, and the staff was super nice and friendly which means a lot to me too.
NOTE: There are 3 seats at a counter available... that is it. and no A/C. -
Review from Kristina B.
Somerville, MA
2/1/2008
I've had:
-sweet potatoes: I like that it was with brown sugar syrup and not marshmallows and OJ.
-teriyaki chicken: good but not as good as the fried chicken.
-mac & cheese: pretty good, but not as good as the Publick House or Silvertone.
-fried chicken: chompable.
-banana pudding: I can't go back to the fake stuff now. I want this sugary, delightful goodness with Nilla wafers!
-cake: The dean of discipline at my school brought this in for his birthday. It was perfectly moist, perfectly flavored, and perfectly iced--though I adore icing, if it's too buttery or sugary I become disenchanted with cake. This cake inspired me to overhaul my mentor's classroom in a massive spring-cleaning extravaganza. -
Review from Ed P.
Brighton, MA
4/11/2010
I had the fried chicken finger plate, black-eyed peas and rice with gravy and collard greens cooked with smoked turkey.
Everything was super fresh, yummy and satisfying. Some of the best fried chicken I have ever had. I especially dig the collard greens.
They have a cool collection of hot sauces in store that I'll have to utilize next time. And a UPS delivery guy raved about the chicken cheese patties while I was in line. -
Review from Josh W.
Somerville, MA
9/20/2010
As someone with a taste for fried chicken, it was alright. There was an odd flavor I couldn't put my finger on throughout the whole chicken. Something sweet almost. It did not add to the food.
One side was good (mac and cheese), one side was overcooked and tough (corn).
I'd go back, but it's no New York Fried Chicken. -
Review from Robert H.
Somerville, MA
7/25/2007
And we complete the trifecta of "Reasons I Wish I Still Lived in Central Square" with this: Coast Cafe.
I can't believe that I never knew Coast Cafe existed until AFTER I moved out of Central Square. Why did nobody think that I, a man born and raised in the South, might want to know where to get good soul food? Why was I repeatedly told, "Redbones is good, you should go there?" Why would anybody even think that was okay? Why? Why? Why?
Okay.
So I was positively twitching with anticipation when I walked in. I was having fond memories of the last time I was down home, and of the wonderful food that I thought was lost to me up here, and of the banana pudding I asked my mom to make one year instead of a birthday cake. Coast Cafe couldn't possibly have lived up to the hype I had developed for it inside my own head.
But it did.
Everything was delicious. Ev-ery-thing. I was a little skeptical about the breading on the chicken, but needn't have been. As soon as I bit into that moist poultry, every misgiving went away. I had collard greens that were second only to the ones I cook at home (and Cafe Brazil's, but those might as well be entirely another creation), my friend had the best mac & cheese EVER, and I had some delicious banana pudding to finish it all off.
Coast Cafe is the only menu that I keep in my car now, in case I'm ever driving within 30 miles of the place at dinnertime.Listed in: Top Restaurants
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Review from molly f.
Cambridge, MA
4/8/2009
this is insanity. I can't believe this place has been a few blocks away from my apartment and I'm just going now! The fried chicken alone blew my mind...let alone the mac n cheese, cornbread, and coconut wonder bar, all prepared to perfection and deliciously, fat-happy good.
Coast Cafe is the type of place you have to mentally prepare yourself for. Its soulful soul food, and they don't F around. Its take out only, really...there are 2 seats that you might be lucky to snag, but honestly...you want to go somewhere private to enjoy this food. Its messy, ridiculous, and amazing. The portions are generous, the staff super friendly, and frankly, I can't wait to dig in to round 2 of Molly vs. Fried chicken later tonight. Seriously people...go here and eat your face off. you will thank you me, I promise! -
Review from Greg S.
Jamaica Plain, MA
4/25/2007
My overall score for this place: "Eh." and a shoulder shrug
I read somewhere recently that this place has the best fried chicken in the city. Hardly. It's edible but certainly not the best.
The sides were far more appealing. Especially the mac and cheese.
And the banana pudding was mediocre.
Disclaimer: As a native southerner, when any place north of Kentucky claims to serve real soul food or southern specialties like fried chicken or barbecue, I am automatically skeptical and may be a harsh judge.Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from Abbey B.
Washington, DC
7/15/2008
Oh. My. God.
BANANA PUDDING.
And usually, I don't like cornbread much, but I ate mine and my roommate's (when she wasn't paying attention). It's sweeter than normal, kind of like cake but doesn't make you sick.
A bunch of us drove down there on a rainy night, ordered a bunch of fried chicken, and had to wait 25 minutes. Too small for us to wait inside, so we went down the street to River Gods for a drink.
Once we got back to the apartment, we put on a movie and set to eating. Pretty much, the four of us did nothing but stuff our faces with delicious fried chicken, cornbread, and pudding. 20 minutes later and ALL of it is gone.
I crave the banana pudding at odd times, mostly when Coast Cafe isn't open. And then they went on vacation for two weeks...Listed in: My Neighborhood
